An Investigation of Third Generation (3G) Mobile Technologies and

Services (A Review)

*M
ohnish Wakte
**Dr.V.K.Jain

ABSTRACT

The objective of this paper is to evaluate the underlying paradigms of third

generation (3G) mobile services. Given the success of second generation (2G) mobile
communications systems and services, the third generation mobile networks and
applications are faced with a lot of expectations such as providing ubiquitous access to
online services via mobile terminals. However, 3G technologies and applications have
encountered obstacles that have hindered both the technology development and user
acceptance. This paper reviews existing literature related to 3G and develops a
framework that presents the factors that contribute to the success of 3G. The findings
provide insight into the development and marketing of 3G services.

Keywords: 3G, User Acceptance, Mobile Communications, Telecommunications

*Student, (MBA), PIPS, Indore

**Director, PIPS, Indore
 INTRODUCTION

Many studies have investigated the success factors and user acceptance of the third
generation (3G) mobile network and its services. In search of the so-called killer
applications of 3G networks, researchers have often argued that there will be no killer
application(s) as there were in 2G, or at least that future killer applications are simply
unknown . However, this question should not be answered without an explicit definition
of what is meant by killer applications and how the successful services will be evaluated.
Generally speaking, a killer application can be defined as an application that surpasses all
other competing applications. Moreover, it inspires users to purchase it and eventually
corners the market. The question of how to evaluate killer applications is difficult.
Whether it should be done in terms of transactional revenue, subscription or airtime
remains an open question. Looking back at the so-called killer applications of the 2G
network, we can undoubtedly concur that text messaging, i.e. the short message service
(SMS), followed by ring tones and logo downloads are the killer applications of 2G and
2,5G networks . This raises the question of whether these or related services will continue
to dominate the 3G market, or will new mobile services emerge.

Third generation mobile telephony protocols support higher data rates, measured in
kbps (kilobits per second) or Mbps (megabits per second), intended for applications other
than voice-centric. The shift from 2G to 3G not only gives users fresh ways to
communicate but also a variety of new services such as browsing the Internet, e-mail,
instant messaging, video-conferencing and digital television. 3G also makes guidance,
presence, and location-based services available to mobile users. In addition, current
features of mobile phones such as cameras and personal time management systems are
expected to develop. Since 2001 3G trials across the world have shown that the main
development from 2G and 2,5G to 3G is faster connection speed, referring to wider
bandwidth. The main characteristics of 3G are to provide mobile multimedia services
at a transmission rate of 144kbps at the high speed, 384 kbps at the speed of walking
and 2Mbps indoors. This theoretical maximum (2Mbps) is close to the speed of LAN
connections that many households nowadays have. In addition, 3G networks can offer
faster data transmission than the slowest LAN connection (256kbps), and GPRS (General
Packet Radio Service) that usually offers transfer speed of 40 kbps to 55 kbps .

Figure 1 shows the various technologies related to 3G and their suitability for
mobile users. Beyond 3G, it is predicted that mobile networks and the wireless
communication landscape will be based on various technologies, offering seamless
mobility with cellular networks. Fourth generation (4G) services will enable broadband
wireless communication at home, at the office and on the move. In other words, new
networks will make the services provided by the Web and the Internet as well as a
variety of other services such as multimedia and entertainment available to mobile
users .
 Mobility

On the 4G
move 2,5G 3G

2G

W
H L
o A
m N
e/
W
or Bluetooth LAN
k

0.01 0.1 1 100

Data rate Mbps
Figure 1 Classification of Mobile Networks and Mobility

The objective of the paper is to discuss 3G networks and services

from a marketing perspective. The discussion is organized so that we first
emphasize the importance of the antecedents of 3G’s success by
outlining the underlying factors namely standardization, user
acceptance, and pricing, which are among the influential factors
affecting the development and marketing of successful 3G services.
This will be followed by a discussion of the main 3G services and their
ability to attract new subscribers and satisfy their needs with acceptable
prices. To conclude, a discussion of the implications of the findings, the
study’s limitations, and possible topics for further research will be
presented.
 Literature Review

Modern lifestyle has been developed for the blessing of technology. New
advanced technology enables people to lead a digital lifestyle. In this fast-
paced world, communication is a major element of life and makes
communication easier as technological inventions are being updating
constantly. One of the latest additions in the communication technology is
none other than the 3G Mobile Technology.Third generation, formally
known as 3G, is basically the next generation high-speed mobile technology
which is based on the Global System of Mobile Communication. This
advanced communication technology is power-packed with highly advanced
features that enable people to lead a high-tech lifestyle. Among them, the
primary one is the advantage of making multiple tasks in a single mobile
handset. Another aim of this technology is to provide high-speed services to
the users, no matter wherever the user is geographically located.
By having a 3G technology mobile phone, one will be able to access high-
speed Internet as this technology supports broadband connectivity.
Accessing personal real-time emails with a superior level of sophistication
will be just a superb experience. The technology comes with a packet-based
transmission of text, voice and other contents. This technology gives the
advantage of enjoying multimedia contents and video data at an approximate
rate of 384 kbps-2 Mbps. One can also take the advantage of video-on-
demand, getting sports highlights, watching news and video clips Online
anytime and anywhere on his mobile gadget.
The modern age 3G mobile phones give user the advantage of experiencing
an excellent voice quality and that would be possible almost anywhere
across the world. With the advancement of technology, the 3G systems are
now moving from low rate data transmission to medium and high speed data
for video transmission and Internet searching. Apart from that, the audio
quality is also improving with time. 3G technology enabled mobile phones
give users the advantage of making video-conferencing at a high quality and
without any hassles. These services help the users to accomplish business
works with high ease.
When it comes to connectivity, the 3G network enabled handset will also
prove its superiority. With this kind of phone, a user will be able to establish
extremely fast and sophisticated connectivity with other devices. This
technology also serves excellent for the entertainment purposes. With a
highly powerful camera, a technology enabled handset usually comes with
some other advanced functions including image editing and blogging.
Additionally, users can also enjoy video telephony through these handsets.
The entertainment aspect is also enhanced with a highly powerful music
player that is capable to produce a crystal-clear sound output and supports
all the popular music formats include MP3, WMA, AAC, eAAC, AAC+ and
many more. Customers also can enjoy viewing their favourite video through
these handsets.
Apart from the entertainment purposes, the 3G mobile technology enabled
handsets also help the user to accomplish their business works, even while
remaining on the move. One can read and edit Microsoft Word, Excel,
PowerPoint, PDF and some other format of files easily with these handsets.
By possessing 3G mobile technology, one will also get the advantage of
accessing various critical applications like Customer Relationship
Management (CRM). As example, a field engineer can have a look his
customer's profile on his way, he can update their files and so on. ( By
Keliv Ender)

3G mobile generation for which the spectrum allocated to service providers

intend to offer its services soon in India. Third generation (3G) wireless
network Wide Brand is used which increases clarity and gives perfection
like that of a real conversation. The data is sent by a technology called
packet switching. Voice calls are interpreted by circuit switching. With the
support of 3G, we can access many new services such as global roaming,
contact a person located in any part of the world and can even send
messages too. It brings clarity of voice and can speak without any
disturbance. Third generation (3G) offering entertainment such as Fast
Communication, Internet, mobile TV, video conferencing, video calls, Multi
Media Messaging Service (MMS), 3D games, multiplayer etc. with 3G
phones is possible.

Under third-generation technology (3G), both transmission and reception of

signals in the mobile speed of 60 mph is reached. India has recently awarded
3G spectrum. Service providers and mobile Internet technology that have
won and were awarded 3G spectrum include Vodafone Essar, Bharti, Airtel,
RCOM, Tata Tele-services, Idea Cellular and Stel. These service providers
are eager to display their latest technologies and mobile Internet in India.
The winners of the 3G spectrum have already made an announcement that
they are almost ready to launch their services and are in the final phase of
the same thing.

The Access Service License Unified (UASL) agreement was also amended
by the Department of Telecommunications of India to include services of
3G, which will pave the way for the release of high speed Internet through
mobile installation by the winners. Installing high-speed Internet in rural
India is still missing with 2G mobile technology. And more than 900 million
people in India are based in rural areas. 3G will bring changes in everything
connected to the Internet in rural India? All these courses are to improve
dramatically, perhaps beyond the imagination in near future in India.
( By Gaurav Virk)
The article discusses 4th generation. 4G mobile, aims to provide an effective
solution for the next generation mobile services. Progressing from previous
three generations, 4G mobile systems have been significantly improving in
terms of interactive multimedia services:

The first radiotelephone service was introduced in the US at the end of the
1940s, and was meant to connect mobile users in cars to the public fixed
network. In the 1960s, a new system launched by Bell Systems, called
Improved Mobile Telephone Service" (IMTS), brought many improvements
like direct dialing and higher bandwidth. The first analog cellular systems
were based on IMTS and developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The
systems were "cellular" because coverage areas were split into smaller areas
or "cells", each of which is served by a low power transmitter and receiver.

First generation:-
1G analog system for mobile communications saw two key improvements
during the 1970s: the invention of the microprocessor and the digitization of
the control link between the mobilephone and the cell site. AMPS ( Advance
mobile phone system ) was first launched by US which is 1G mobile system.
It is best on FDMA technology which allows users to make voice calls
within one country.

Second generation:-

2G digital cellular systems were first developed at the end of the 1980s.
These systems digitized not only the control link but also the voice signal.
The new system provided better quality and higher capacity at lower cost to
consumers. GSM (Global system for mobile communication) was the first
commercially operated digital cellular system which is based on TDMA.

Third generation:-

3G systems promise faster communications services, including voice, fax

and Internet, anytime and anywhere with seamless global roaming. ITU’s
IMT-2000 global standard for 3G has opened the way to enabling innovative
applications and services (e.g. multimedia entertainment, infotainment and
location-based services, among others). The first 3G network was deployed
in Japan in 2001. 2.5G networks, such as GPRS (Global Packet Radio
Service) are already available in some parts of Europe.
3G technology supports 144 Kbps bandwidth, with high speed movement
(e.g. vehicles), 384 Kbps (e.g. on campus) & 2 Mbps for stationary
(e.g.inbuilding )

Fourth generation:-

At present the download speed for mode data is limited to 9.6 kbit/sec which
is about 6 times slower than an ISDN (Integrated services digital network)
fixed line connection. Recently, with 504i handsets the download data rate
was increased 3-fold to 28.8kbps. However, in actual use the data rates are
usually slower, especially in crowded areas, or when the network is
"congested". For third generation mobile (3G, FOMA) data rates are 384
kbps (download) maximum, typically around 200kbps, and 64kbps upload
since spring 2001. Fourth generation (4G) mobile communications will have
higher data transmission rates than 3G. 4G mobile data transmission rates
are planned to be up to 20 megabits per second.

Before understanding 4G, we must know what is 3G ? 3G initiative came

from device manufactures, not from operators. In 1996 the development was
initiated by Nippon Telephone & Telegraph (NTT) and Ericsson; in 1997
the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) in the USA chose
CDMA as a technology for 3G; in 1998 the European Telecommunications
Standards Institute (ETSI) did the same thing; and finally, in 1998 wideband
CDMA (W-CDMA) and cdma2000 were adopted for the Universal Mobile
Telecommunications System (UMTS).

W-CDMA and CDMA 2000 are two major proposals for 3G. In this CDMA
the information bearing signal is multiplied with another faster ate, wider
bandwidth digital signal that may carry a unique orthogonal code. W-
CDMA uses dedicated time division multiplexing (TDM) whereby channel
estimation information is collected from another signal stream. CDMA 2000
uses common code division multiplexing (CDM) whereby channel
estimation information can be collected with the signal stream.

Access Technologies (FDMA, TDMA, CDMA) -

FDMA: Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA) is the most common
analog system. It is a technique whereby spectrum is divided up into
frequencies and then assigned to users. With FDMA, only one subscriber at
any given time is assigned to a channel. The channel therefore is closed to
other conversations until the initial call is finished, or until it is handed-off
to a different channel. A "full-duplex" FDMA transmission requires two
channels, one for transmitting and the other for receiving. FDMA has been
used for first generation analog systems.

TDMA: Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) improves spectrum

capacity by splitting each frequency into time slots. TDMA allows each user
to access the entire radio frequency channel for the short period of a call.
Other users share this same frequency channel at different time slots. The
base station continually switches from user to user on the channel. TDMA is
the dominant technology for the second generation mobile cellular networks.

CDMA: Code Division Multiple Access is based on "spread" spectrum

technology. Since it is suitable for encrypted transmissions, it has long been
used for military purposes. CDMA increases spectrum capacity by allowing
all users to occupy all channels at the same time. Transmissions are spread
over the whole radio band, and each voice or data call are assigned a unique
code to differentiate from the other calls carried over the same spectrum.
CDMA allows for a " soft hand-off" , which means that terminals can
communicate with several base stations at the same time.

Beyond 3G

In the field of mobile communication services, the 4G mobile services are

the advanced version of the 3G mobile communication services. The 4G
mobile communication services are expected to provide broadband, large
capacity, high speed data transmission, providing users with high quality
color video images, 3D graphic animation games, audio services in 5.1
channels. We have been researching the vision of 4G mobile communication
systems, services, and architectures. We also have been developing the
terminal protocol technology for high capacity, high speed packet services,
public software platform technology that enables downloading application
programs, multimode radio access platform technology, and high quality
media coding technology over mobile networks.

Reasons To Have 4G -
1.Support interactive multimedia services: teleconferencing, wireless
Internet, etc.
2.Wider bandwidths, higher bit rates.
3.Global mobility and service portability.
4.Low cost.
5.Scalability of mobile networks.
( By Sopan Take )

ANTECEDENTS OF THE SUCCESS OF 3G SERVICES :-

Industry Standards

The importance of common industry standards with 3G

networks has been emphasized in many studies. The mobile phone
industry is currently using many standards [e.g. Japanese PDC (Personal
Digital Communication), European GSM, American CDMA], which has
made it difficult for users traveling to utilize their phones worldwide.
The evolution of 3G is expected to simplify this because in Europe there
are only two standards competing; the WCDMA (Wideband Code
Division Multiple Access) which will become the European UMTS
(Universal Mobile Telecommunications System) and the CDMA2000
(Code Division Multiple Access). Although the WCDMA and the
CDMA2000 are regarded as the two main standards (MobileIN, 2004) in
the world, there
are other variants of 3G such as NTT DoCoMo’s Freedom of Mobile
Multimedia Access (FOMA) and the Chinese TD-SCDMA (Time
Division-Synchronous Code Division Multiple Access), which are
also competing for market share. As the TD-SCDMA developed by
Siemens and its Chinese partners has suffered technical problems it is
not to date ready for commercialization . The WCDMA standard is
said to dominate the global market for the next five years. However,
3G networks still require large investment efforts in for example in base
stations, in order to provide promised transfer speeds. With
standardization it is possible to meet one of the basic goals of 3G; to
provide global access for the same services. This means creating a truly
single, worldwide standard. The International Telecommunication Union
(ITU) is working on 3G international standardization through its project
IMT-2000 (International Mobile Telecommunications) that aims at
setting the global standard for 3G. Thus, it is expected that in the coming
years we will have a worldwide standard for 3G.
User Acceptance

Before discussing the applications and services related to 3G networks, it is

important to consider user acceptance of 3G services and to classify different user needs.
Generally speaking, in designing 3G applications and planning profitable business
models, the end-users’ needs and wants should be in the hot spot. The main challenge
when exploring user needs and wants lies in the intersection of unknown future
customers’ needs and wants and new technology that is not even available for many
users. Therefore, it is suggested that service developers can only meet the needs and
wants with a profound understanding of the mobile communication system, ranging from
voice-centric services to multimedia- centric services . Furthermore, their study suggests
that an interpretative-creative approach should be used when designing 3G services
rather than taking linear or analytic problem solving approaches. Therefore designers
should examine users’ needs and requirements, with concrete reference to situation-
oriented and social-spatial contexts; concentrating on open parameters like ‘user’,
‘place’, ‘process’, and ‘time’.

To get the big picture, it is essential to understand the different situations in which
consumers and business users use mobile services. First, we can distinguish the different
types of presence people typically have. Presence can be broadly defined as reachability,
availability, and willingness to communicate with other users. Presence is one of the
central factors in designing mobile services. Presence data includes information about
whether users are online or not, if they are idle or busy, and various other information
users have given to the presence service such as information about their communication
means and capabilities concerning their mobile terminals, for example. At a basic level,
presence information can be classified to at home, at work and mobile (on the move). To
begin with, at home users are typically connected with at least two types of networks.
More and more households have fixed Internet access (LAN) that allows relatively
fast Internet connection speed (starting from 256 kbps). Thus, it is expected that
households with fixed Internet access will use mobile devices (classified in this paper as
phones and PDAs, but excluding laptops) differently than households without fixed
Internet access. For instance, mobile terminals can be used to get online access, either
directly from mobile terminal or in connection with another terminal such as laptop or PC.
With the help of 3G, mobile terminals as mentioned can offer faster connection speeds
than some LAN connections. However, with the diffusion of 3G networks, we should
expect 3G phones to be used in combination with personal computers. For example, many
mobile operators in Europe (e.g. Vodafone, Orange, T-Mobile, O2) already offer 3G data
cards that allow fast access to Internet services via laptops, and are able to utilize also
GPRS connection when 3G is not available (ZDNet UK, 2004). The idea is that data
cards provide a broadband wireless link to the Internet or company network (like WLAN)
allowing users to do the same computer activities on the road as in the office.

At work, users typically also have fixed Internet access that is used to access many
informative services related to work. However, more people are relying on mobile
terminals to manage their daily activities. With the diffusion of smart phones, computers
and mobile terminals are more and more used in combination. As smart phones can be
synchronized with laptops and table computers, followed by their ability to send and
receive e-mails and use of other company related services, the line between different
terminals is faded.

The third option, mobile, means that the services users can access are limited due to
network constraints. On the go users mainly rely on mobile networks that to date offer
limited data transmission speeds, although the rise of the 3G network and Wireless Local
Area networks (WLAN) provide faster data transmission. The most important
development in relation to mobile users and the services they need relate to the networks’
ability to provide the same services globally. As mobile users are increasingly traveling
worldwide, it is important to develop networks and services that can be accessed with one
mobile terminal. This has been mentioned as one of the main challenges mobile network
development will face in the coming years. In conclusion, mobile data services
undoubtedly have the most value for users on the go, or for users who are not
currently able to access the services the Internet provides via other means such as fixed
Internet connection (LAN) or wireless local area network (WLAN).

Pricing

Pricing of the 3G services is definitely one of the biggest challenges facing

telecommunication companies. Setting the right price for service usage is difficult. Private
use of mobile data services is heavily dependent upon pricing issues. Multimedia
centric services (e.g. MMS), for example, has suffered around the world (excluding
Asia) from high pricing policy. Although many mobile operators are offering
discounts for MMS services such a sending multimedia messages for free during
weekends, they have not yet reached the mobile operators’ expectations. Mobile
operators have used two types of pricing policies in offering mobile data services. First,
pricing can be based on a fixed price, also called flat-rate pricing , typically ranging from
15-25€ per month in Europe. With fixed pricing operators usually offer 100Mbps transfers
per month. This means that a user can send and receive normal sized documents 50 times
per month. As usage exceeds 100Mbps in a month, the price increases often dramatically.
Fixed pricing is the most common pricing strategy for mobile data services. Usage based
pricing (or dynamic pricing) regulates usage by imposing a fee based on the amount of
data send and received. In addition, as shown in Lindgren, Jedbratt & Svensson
(2002: 181), users seem to be prepared to pay for mobile services, but only to the
services they actually use, as opposed to fixed monthly subscriptions. Although fixed
pricing from users viewpoint has many advantages, mobile operators have had to control
data transmission to avoid overcapacity in certain times (e.g. during evenings). This
relates to the fact that the more users are accessing the network at the same time, meaning
the transmission speed is slower.
A LOOK AT 3G SERVICES –IS THERE ANYTHING NEW?

In general terms, 3G services comprise of wide bandwidth services such as

enhanced communication (e.g. messaging, e-mail, video), browsing the Web , and
location-specific information like informing users about the availability of stores,
restaurants, gas stations, free parking lots and so on near them . In addition, business
users will have a direct access to company networks while traveling or working outside
office. From marketing point of view, identifying and designing these services and
setting an appropriate price is said to be the core marketing task related to 3G .
Although it can be concluded that the most successful 3G services probably belong to
one of these categories, it is impossible to predict in detail exactly what is going to
happen in the mobile marketplace. However, we will not experience a so-called radical
innovation in the market; merely the evolution of existing mobile communications
giving users faster transmission speeds which then might open up possibilities for new
mobile data services also. Next, we will go through the most common mobile data
services and ponder their ability to serve as the most successful 3G services.

Mobile Internet –Browsing the Web from Mobile

A wide range of authors from various disciplines ranging from technology to

business have argued that the 3G will enable mobile access to the Internet , or in other
words, aim to merge cellular networks and the Internet meaning that mobile users can
have ubiquitous access to all the services that the Internet provides from messaging to
browsing. The term mobile Internet, or Internet in mobile, refers to gaining access to the
Internet using a handheld, wireless device like a mobile phone or PDA. As 2G networks
have been mainly voice-centric with low data transmission capacity, 2,5G and 3G will
speed up data transmission speeds. However, in 3G networks the data transmission
speed is depended upon the number of users accessing the network at the same point of
time. Thus, in reality 3G networks rarely offer the theoretical maximum speed. Another
question relates to the users need to browse the Web from mobile. Besides the most
used mobile Internet services in 2,5G, namely news and entertainment, the question of
whether there are any other online services that are preferably used from mobile rather
than from other devices such as laptops which have larger screens and also easier to use
interfaces with large keyboards, remains open. However, the question of whether users
are willing to browse the Internet from mobile phone or PDA becomes unimportant as
terminals are only devices, and finally the user judges the terminals and chooses the one
he or she prefers. For instance, by using 3G data card users can browse the Internet via
their laptop or via a mobile device. The purpose of use dictates the terminal in the end.

Research has suggested that the most attractive WAP applications are news,
entertainment, ticketing and reservations, as well as banking . These are actually
among the most common online services used with computers as well (e. To conclude,
while many 3G services are operated via the Internet, browsing the Internet from mobile
phones or PDAs will not be a mobile version of fixed-line access . In fact, people do not
use the Internet in the same way from mobile terminals as they do when accessing the
Internet via larger screens from computers. France Telecom Research & Development
(2004) predicts that mobile Internet offers the advantage of always being near at hand,
and of being a personal tool. On this basis possible successful services might be services
developed for traveling purposes like ticketing, checking schedules, traffic reports and
related services.
E-mail services

E-mail service was rated as the number one preferred mobile service by the Swedes
in 2001, followed by banking and use of encyclopedia. E-mail services can be
categorized into Web-style HTML e-mail services and plain text e-mail services. HTML
e-mail services provide more flexibility with the format and appearance while plain text
e-mail comprises of a letter-style message. Although e-mail has become a widely
accepted and accessible communications medium during the recent years, there is lack of
research about the use of e-mail from mobile devices. For many Internet users, both
private and business users, e-mail has been the most common way of exchanging
information, documents, and communication. Although e-mail is cheap, easy to access
and is asynchronous in nature, e-mail services have suffered from the receipt of
unsolicited messages or even spam. The fear of receiving unsolicited messages and
spam on mobile devices may slow the adoption of e-mail services among mobile users.
Secondly, as the first mobile virus news has been reported in media (BBC News, 2003),
mobile users might want to protect their mobile devices by avoiding using e-mail
services.

Messaging services

Mobile messaging, referring to short message service (SMS) and multimedia

message service (MMS), is expected to be the most utilized mobile service in the future.
It is estimated that step-by-step consumers as well as business users will upgrade their
messaging from sending simple text messages to multimedia messages including pictures
and video clips . Although 3G networks will make bandwidth hungry services such
as sending, receiving, and downloading video clips possible , there are notable
cultural differences in adopting multimedia messaging services. For example, while the
European market has not adopted multimedia messaging to large extent, due to various
reasons such as pricing policy and relatively complex usage, Asians have eagerly
adopted MMS . On average, while a typical user in Europe sends one to two MMS
messages per month, an Asian takes and sends 20-30 MMS messages.

Besides SMS and MMS services, instant messaging (IM) on the Internet is one of
the most popular services especially among youngsters . The instant messaging service
has the potential to be utilized widely among mobile users as the service allows users to
send content (e.g. a text message, html page, a picture, a file containing a song, a video
clip, or other file) to another user in near-real time . This instant messaging service
is combined with presence service, giving the possibility to see if other users are
available and reachable.
(www.cmr-journal.org/article)

The framework shown in Figure 2 summarizes the discussion of this paper. This
framework, based on a review of prior research and industry reports, should provide
impetus for future work in the area that identifies in more detail the critical issues, also
beyond the presented.

Underlying factors 3G services

Industry
standards Internet on
-network mobile
development -online
-handset services (e.g.
availability information
and
entertainment)
Willingne
Consumer
acceptance ss to use
E-mail 3G
-understanding
consumer needs services services
and wants -
-understanding especiall
usage y for
situations (at business
work, at home, users
on the go)
Messaging
Pricing of services
services -
-business vs. multi
private use media
-fixed vs. variable messa
pricing ging
-video
applications

Figure 2 Hypothetical Model

of 3G Acceptance
 Influences

Effects of 3G on society

• Mobile Internet connectivity

• Mobile email
• Mobile Interview
• E-learning & m-learning
• Multimedia services, such as digital photos taken by and shared via
wireless handsets
• Wireless application downloading
• Video-on-demand and short-format Clipcast™ content
• Real-time multiplayer gaming
• Enhanced emergency and location-based services
• Low-latency push-to-talk and push-to-video message services

Benefits of 3G:

The data are Packet-based which provides several advantages over the
existing circuit-switched techniques. These techniques are used for carrying
mobile voice. It allows higher call volumes and support for multimedia data
applications, such as video and photography. The charges are based on
amount of data transmitted and not on time taken to connect to the network.
(Pay for the information you receive) issue in 3G with regard to providers
and users.
But several issues continue to hamper its growth.
 • High spectrum licensing fees for the 3G services
• Huge capital required to build infrastructure for 3G services.
• Health impact because of electromagnetic waves.
• Prices are very high for 3G mobile services.
• Will 2G users switch to 3G services?
• Takes time to catch up as the service is new.

3G license

Mobile operators with empty pockets and a head full of hype.Many GSM
players such as like BSNL, MTNL, Bharti, are ahead of the start of 3G
mobile services. The spectrum has been provided to carry out interface check
on a non-commercial basis.
The Trial spectrum is for a month which will be only 1/1000th of the actual
3G spectrum capability. The spectrum for trial is allotted by National
Frequency Allocation Plan and it was given to all those who applied for it on
the 2.1 GHz band. GSM players operate on 900 MHz and 1,800 MHz, while
CDMA players operate on 800 MHz.

Countries where 3G currently exist?

There are about 60 3G networks across 25 countries. In Asia, Europe and the
USA, telecom firms use WCDMA technology. The WCDMA standard
provides seamless global evolution from today's GSM with support of the
worlds' largest mobile operators.
WCDMA technology is built on open standards, wide ranging mobile
multimedia possibility, and vast potential economies of scale with the
support of around 100 terminal designs to operate 3G mobile networks.3G
services were introduced in Europe in 2003.

Pricing Concerns

With respect to India the base price for spectrum is fixed based on the cities
category for cities like Mumbai and Delhi and Category A telecom circles it
is Rs 80 crore (Rs 800 million); in cities like Chennai and Kolkata and
Category B circles Rs 40 crore (Rs 400 million); and in all other cities Rs 15
crore (Rs 150 million).
Tatas have welcomed Trai's Rs 1,400-crore (Rs 14 billion) base price the rest
of the service providers find the price excessively inflated.
Bharti has appealed to lower the prices especially for rural penetration and
expect it to be around Rs 300-400 crore (Rs 3-4 billion). The reserve price is
a deterrent for telecom companies in India.
Trai chairman Nripendra Misra has quoted that there is no reason to worry as
players will not bid exorbitantly and derail the auction. Misra added that
telecom operators had matured from their experiences and global
developments, and would bid sincerely.

Disadvantages:

3G is the ultimate need for our future. But technology can exist without
drawbacks and 3G is not any different to this rule. Even this cutting edge
technology is not able to provide any solution for the harmful effects created
on using electromagnetic waves for communication. Moreover 3G phones
that are available in the market now are pretty costly and not everyone can
afford to buy them. People are not made much aware of the advantages of
3G, (except the elite crowd who are always in touch with the latest gadgets
and technologies) it hasn’t reached the world over population. Thinking on a
wider sense, other high-speed wireless technologies like Wi-Fi (Wireless
Fidelity), Wi-Max (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) made
3G sounds a complicated one for wireless internet access.

The current status of mobile wireless communications, as of June 2006, is a

mix of 2nd and 3rd generation technologies (called 2.5G, the best technology
now widely available providing speed of 64-144kb/sec). The new EDGE air
interface has been developed specifically to meet the bandwidth needs of 3G.

The fast growing technology which is getting updated day to day has made
3G sound a little inferior technology when compared to its successor called
as 4G(4G is short for fourth-generation cellular communication system).4G
is expected to be capable of providing 100 Mbit/s and 1 Gbit/s, respectively,
in outdoor and indoor environments with high security, offering any kind of
services anytime, anywhere, at affordable cost and one billing.

Hence 3G is considered as outdated by few people and unborn by few others.

However it is, 3G provided the first step and boom to the wireless world of
communication.
Note: Get a handset that will meet the needs both at present and in the near
future. Those way, have a great tool that will grow with, as service offerings
increase.

The future of 3G

3G technology glues the two fastest growing market sectors - Mobile and
Internet. 3G packet based networks will allow users to be on line all the time.
The capabilities of wireless networks in terms of bandwidth ought to be
enhanced.
The TRAI (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India) has recommended
auctioning radio frequencies for 3G telecom services at a reserve price of Rs
1,050 crore (Rs 10.50 billion) to companies seeking to offer nationwide high-
speed Internet and streaming video.
The base price for spectrum is fixed based on the cities category for cities
like Mumbai and Delhi. For Category A telecom circles it is Rs 80 crore (Rs
800 million); for cities like Chennai and Kolkata and Category B circles it is
Rs 40 crore (Rs 400 million); and in every other cities Rs 15 crore (Rs 150
million).

Interpretation

The findings presented should be interpreted in the light of certain

limitations. The results are based on existing material found from
various sources and thus concern the development of 3G globally.
Future studies should concentrate on country specific research to
provide a more detailed understanding of the phenomenon at hand.
Another limitation concerns the framework developed. Willingness to use
3G services is definitely dependent on various other factors beyond the
framework presented, which could not all be addressed within this study.

On this basis, future research that identifies additional factors or

views the factors presented in different light would contribute to the
understanding of 3G acceptance. Thus, a natural extension of this study
is the collection of primary data about the use and acceptance of 3G
services in both consumer and business markets.

C
O
N
 C
L
U
S
I
O
N

Today, the majority of mobile services used via 3G networks are

already available in current 2,5G networks (GPRS, EDGE) such as
browsing the Web, sending and receiving multimedia messages (like
pictures and video), and e-mailing. Therefore, 3G should not be viewed
as a new technology surpassing the existing 2,5G networks, or a
revolution in mobile communication. Instead, 3G should be considered
to be evolution of existing mobile communications. In the light of the
discussion in this paper, there is strong evidence to suggest that the main
outcome of using 3G networks and services will be to get access to the
same services with faster data connection speed. Furthermore, it seems
that the success of 3G lies in its ability to serve not only mobile users
but in providing access to the Internet with data cards inserted in
laptops. Thus, 3G networks will serve the same purpose as LAN and
WLAN networks.

In terms of business opportunities, telecommunication companies’

main source of income is still coming from voice-centric services. For
example, the mobile operator Hutchinson, offering services purely in 3G
networks, announced this autumn 2004 that its main source of income
comes from discount packets that offer free speech time in 3G
networks. Moreover, as long as the price of the network time is high in
3G, operators cannot wait fast diffusion of data centric mobile services.
According to mobile operators,
3G is needed in congested places where the demand on current mobile
networks exceeds the capacity.

Another important factor affecting future of 3G is the availability

of reasonably priced handsets. 3G devices launched to the market during
2004 have also suffered from various problems such as high power
consumption that limits usage time.
References

1. Management Research Journal LNCT, Indore Prabandhan & Taqniki Vol-3 Oct-2009

“3G technologies and its impact” model

Author 1)Shoyeb Ali Sayyed 2) Mujahidr Sayyed ,Page No. (275-280).

2. Picard, Jacques | COPYRIGHT 1995 Emerald Group Publishing, Ltd. This material is
published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills,
Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group

Webiliography

• www.cmr-journal.org/article/download

• Http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=(Raina_Kelsey)

• Http://www.articlesbase.com/cell-phones-articles/3g-mobile-phones-youth-creation-
mobile-technology-901242.html (ArticlesBase SC #901242)(Keliv Ender & Ellyssa
Kroski)

• Http://searchwarp.com/swa654594-Mobile-And-Internet-Technology-The-Future-Of-4g-
Mobile-Internet.htm by Gaurav Virk